Thursday, September 30, 2010

I thoroughly enjoyed decorating the nursery for our new son. Everything came together rather smoothly but there was just one problem, I had a huge blank wall to deal with. All the other walls had great shelving or artwork but one was just too big and awkward. So, it stayed blank until something great happened.

My friend Beth emailed me and offered to whip together one of her new products for me to test. The best part was that her new product was something that could solve my blank wall problem. I quickly accepted her offer and eagerly awaited my package.

Beth runs the etsy shop Love, September. Her newest creative venture is fabric wall letters. These letters are similar to the popular wooden letters that you can use to decorate a nursery or childrens room. The main difference between the wooden letters and Beth's fabric letters is price. The fabric letters are so much more affordable. Another great difference is that you won't have to put nails into your walls with the fabric letters. This makes them a great option for renters or students in dormitories.

You see, these fabric letters have a special backion on them that is used to affix them directly onto the wall (or other smooth surface) with your iron! It is so simple!

Beth has 8 great fonts to choose from and can do virtually any fabric that you like.

Not only would these letters make a great addition to any nursery, children's room or play room but they could be used in any room in the house.

For our nursery, I thought it would look cool to hang an empty frame around the letters. This was just another attempt to fill our large wall. I also think that these letters would be cool ironed onto a blank canvas or old barnwood.

So, do you have a blank space that needs filling? If so, check out Love, September for this cool option for personalized and unique art.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I owe you an apology. I know you have been neglected lately and I am truly sorry. This new baby is taking so much time that what little I have to spare is needed to sleep. or shower.

I see you everyday and think longingly about all the fun we could be having if only I did not have another diaper to change. I have so many fun ideas for things we could be doing together when only I have the time to spare. I truly hope we get to do some of those things together soon.

Sweet friend, I promise I will be back. I promise that we will have good times and maybe a few all-nighters again someday. I have not abandoned you or replaced you. Nothing could replace you! I just wanted to write you this note so that you know I think of you often and I miss you.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

I'm a huge fan of adding fun art to the walls that will give your home a unique and personalized look. And there is plenty of it to be found on Etsy. I'm always amazed at all of the talented graphic designers and artists.

Monday, September 27, 2010

This weeks featured shop is Rae Danae Designs. This shop is full of custom clothing and embroidered goodies that your princess (and prince) will adore. The creations that Victoria, the owner, creates are perfect for birthdays and photographs.

Here is what Victoria says about herself: "I am a seamstress and sewing teacher who loves to create custom outfits for your sweeties! Visit my website, Etsy shop, blog and Facebook to find all the latest creations! Monogramming available too!"

One of the neatest things about Victoria is that not only does she sell her creations, but she also teaches sewing classes. I just love that.

My daughter would LOVE this tinkerbelle outfit:)

Victoria has generously offered a giveaway for Noodles & Milk readers. She is giving away 1 custom holiday twirl skirt (sizes infant to size 8) to a lucky reader. The skirt will be similar to the ones shown below but be done in adorable holiday fabrics with a little tulle added in for fun. The skirt is valued at $40! This giveaway will remain open until October 1st at midnight.

Here is how to enter the giveaway (in separate comments please):

Visit the Rae Danae blog and leave Victoria a comment. Come back here and tell us that you did.= 1 entry

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Etsy is full of great stuff to get your business moving. If you thought that setting up your shop and keeping up with convo’s was all that you needed etsy for, then you are wrong. I highly encourage you to spend some time browsing through all the helpful goodies that etsy has to offer.

First, if you have not signed up for the etsy newsletter, then do so immediately. They send something a couple times a week and it is generally super helpful information and articles. I almost always find something useful in their emails. It is definitely worth your time.

Here is a quick list of helpful things that you can find when browsing around etsy. This first group of things can be found under "your etsy" after you have logged in.

Etsy Mini- this is where you can create an “ad” of your shop for free to post on your blog or as an ad on someone else’s blog. (See the images from my shop on the top right side of this page? That is an etsy mini!)

Seller Handbook- if you have not read this, you need to. Asap. It is stuffed with helpful information.

Badges & Buttons- here you can grab some free buttons to place on blogs and in emails.

Banners & Avatars- free banners and avatars that are available to all. These are helpful to new shop owners who might not have had their custom designs finished yet.

Seller Deals- Special offers from outside retailers that can help your business. Think shipping, book keeping, etc.

Featured Apps- This link is full of all sorts of featured applications that will help your business run smoother. If you have not checked this section out, this is a must. Plan to spend several hours browsing through this section and taking notes but it will be worth it!

For the next group of helpful things, look at the top of the main etsy page under the “community” listing.

Updates- lists the latest in helpful and fun articles.

Forums- you can find your answer to almost anything here. Just search your question and someone else has likely already asked it and received a helpful answer. If no one has your question, you can also start your own discussion here. This forum is primarily for etsy sellers although administration chimes in occasionally with answers to tougher questions.

Virtual Labs- These are virtual classrooms set up with posted meeting times and dates. The topics completely vary but often include tips for newbies, critiquing a shop design, etc. There are also private meetings that can be set up by etsy teams or groups.

The Storque Blog- This is the etsy blog. It has all kinds of fun articles and tutorials that you can find. It features shop spotlights, how- to’s, business tips, local happenings in your area, etc.

See what you have been missing! Now, get out there and use all that etsy has to offer to grow your business even more!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Is it too early to be talking about Christmas? As a shopper, I always think it is too early to see Christmas stuff when Halloween has not even passed yet. However, as a shop owner, I know that Christmas talk and preparation starts in the summer. So, I figured I would split the difference...it is no longer summer AND Halloween has not hit yet.

Anyways, like everything else, etsy has tons of cute Christmas things to be found. Here is a little peak: